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Haisman Shield | Tatura ends season on a high

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Great result: Tatura coach Daniel Coombs was happy with his side’s performance. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Tatura has ended its Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season on a high, taking down Old Students by five wickets on Saturday.

The win has the Bulldogs end the season in eighth place on the ladder, while Old Students fell to 10th.

Tatura coach Daniel Coombs said it was good to put a couple of wins together at the end of the season.

“I think finishing eighth is around about where the goal was for the season — to win a few games — and to win five games, I’m pretty happy with that, it’s a pretty young side,” Coombs said.

“It’s a good stepping stone for the club, so hopefully next year we can push on a little bit better and hopefully into a finals spot going forward.”

It was a good performance from Coombs’ side, with captain Jayden Armstrong hitting a solid 26, while Nicholas Watt (33 not out) and Tom Vibert (24 not out) put in good shifts.

With the ball, Coombs put on an absolute clinic, taking 3-13 off nine overs.

“Bowling-wise, we bowled pretty well,” he said.

“To keep them to 110 was a really good effort and then batting-wise I think we were 4-20, a few times this year we have been in that situation and really struggled, but a couple of the boys really dug in.”

For Old Students, Luke McPhillamy found his way to 20, while Sam O’Brien was not out on 15.

With the ball, Liam Callegari bowled well with 2-24, while Callan McCabe got 2-25.

The win ends a successful year for Tatura and Coombs believes the difference between his side and those that are a couple of places higher, is not big.

“I guess I’m pretty happy with the season, with a young side I think we’re only learning more and more as we play,” he said.

“I think if we can keep a similar side we’re only going to keep developing.”

Coombs looks set to stick around as coach next season, with captain Jayden Armstrong also set to remain in the red, white and blue.

Tatura finished in eighth with five wins and two draws from 14 matches, while Old Students finish in 10th, with three wins and three draws.

THE GAME

Tatura 5-111 (Nicholas Watt 33 not out, Jayden Armstrong 26, Tom Vibert 24, Liam Callegari 2-24, Callan McCabe 2-35) d Old Students (Luke McPhillamy 20, Daniel Coombs 3-13, Blake Armstrong 2-22, Jed Woods 2-23)

STAR PLAYER

Daniel Coombs (Tatura): A fantastic bowling display earns Coombs the star player honour. Despite getting zero with the bat, Coombs’ 3-13 off nine, including four maidens, was integral to Tatura’s victory.